The release of Stranger Things 4 on May 27, 2022 has brought a resurgence of interest in the mystery genre. This ranges from TV shows that are about murder mysteries, and fantasy horror to “whodunit” plotlines centering around deductive reasoning. With so much content out there, it’s best to know which ones to watch first.
Fans on Ranker have voted on the TV shows they feel are a cut above the rest in this genre. Whether it’s a recent series like the scary Stranger Things or a detective-based show like Columbo, the fact that there are hundreds of votes leaves no doubt that this is the definitive ranking of how audiences perceive the very best mystery shows.
Broadchurch (2013-17) – Stream On PBS Masterpiece
Set in the fictional town of Broadchurch, this show focuses on the investigations of the town’s detectives over baffling cases. The first two series are about the mystery behind a young boy’s death, while the third is the hunt to find the person who has assaulted a woman.
Unlike most shows, Broadchurch has a largely unlikeable cast of characters, which makes it easy to suspect everyone to be the culprit. Even the victims are difficult to like due to their own past indiscretions and this adds a layer of uncertainty to what the true nature of the crimes was and the events leading up to them.
Murder, She Wrote (1984-96) – Stream On Peacock
The title is derived from one of the best Agatha Christie adaptations known as Murder, She Said, but this show is arguably more mainstream popular. Angela Lansbury starred as mystery writer Jessica Fletcher who routinely solved murders in the town of Cabot Cove, Maine. Murder, She Wrote has a general outline where a killing stumps the police and it’s up to Jessica to solve it.
Despite the repetitive style of the series, it turned out to be a major hit for the way the cases were so creatively designed. Jessica Fletcher has a certain charm about her that makes the character a great point-of-view protagonist for fans to follow as she solves numerous crimes.
Agatha Christie’s Poirot (1989-2013) – Stream On Acorn TV
There are many episodes to enjoy in Agatha Christie’s Poirot, as it adapted every story of the titular character written. The series follows Poirot in his crime-solving pursuits, reaching new places and toward more dangerous cases as his reputation increases.
Classics like Five Little Pigs and Murder of the Orient Express are available for fans to enjoy, with the TV series putting its own spin on certain aspects to surprise Agatha Christie’s readers as well. In addition, David Suchet’s portrayal of Poirot has been massively praised.
Columbo (1971-2003) – Stream On Fubo TV
In a change from the norm, Columbo generally shows audiences who the perpetrator is, leaving the “whodunit” premise aside. The main hook is for viewers to see how the titular character will catch the culprit instead. It’s about homicide detective Frank Columbo’s many exploits and the show’s appeal largely rests on him.
Columbo is depicted with shambling mannerisms, an unassuming demeanor, his trademark beige raincoat, and his relentless detective skills. The protagonist is interesting and likable, which encourages audiences to put up with his unorthodox attitude to check out how he will apprehend the villain.
Midsomer Murders (1997-) – Stream On Acorn TV
One of the longest-running detective series still on-air, Midsomer Murders takes place in the titular English country area where a senior police detective and his partner travel to solve mysteries. The series is different than most because it frequently features dark humor and focuses on the dynamic between the partners.
The action is restricted to various villages within the county, providing a contrast to the picturesque environments. It’s among the most consistent British shows, as fans can catch Midsomer Murders each year with few breaks, with the series now comprising 132 episodes and counting.
The Twilight Zone (1959-64) – Stream On Paramount+
Most associate The Twilight Zone with scary material since there are many episodes that are of the horror genre. However, it’s more of a science-fiction mystery, seeing as each episode has unexplainable and unusual events that culminate with a twist ending.
An anthology series, viewers can get episodes varying in style depending on the nature of the plot and the characters present. There’s always the underlying mystery of where things are leading, with the closing narration summing up the episode to relay what the moral of the story is.
Psych (2006-14) – Stream On Amazon Prime Video
Part of the detective procedural genre but as much of a comedy as well, Psych is about a young crime consultant who has such incredible observational skills that he manages to convince people he solves cases with psychic abilities. It also features his best friend as his partner as the two make for a quirky pair.
Episodes of the series begin with flashbacks to the leads’ childhood, where a lesson they had learned back then factors into a case they’re working on in the present. Although it does have interesting mysteries, Psych fans largely stick around for the hilarious banter between the protagonists.
Stranger Things (2016-) – Stream On Netflix
Set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, Stranger Things focuses on the growing mystery behind a realm near the town known as the Upside Down, whose evil and violent entities threaten the people. The arrival of a girl with powers known as Eleven further complicates things.
While there’s no murder mystery to solve here, Stranger Things still keeps viewers guessing by introducing scary monsters that corrupt the people of the town to do their bidding. It is easily the biggest hit among the latest generation and has been praised for the ‘80s aesthetic, character development, and genuine scares.
House of Anubis (2011-13) – Stream On Paramount+
Set at an English boarding school, the arrival of an American scholarship student shakes things up when a student disappears the same day. With no real clues apart from the new student, she and the rest band together to solve the mystery of their classmate’s disappearance.
House of Anubis was significant for being a different series than the usual sitcoms that Nickelodeon produced, quickly becoming one of its most popular shows. While its high ranking might come as a surprise, it appears that fans on Ranker appreciated the blend of fantasy and mystery that House of Anubis provides.
Sherlock (2010-17) – Stream On Crackle
No mystery series has arguably taken the world by storm quite as Sherlock has in recent times. The series is a modern-day take on the classic detective, featuring Sherlock and John Watson’s adventures as they go up against masterminds like Jim Moriarty.
Sherlock has remained so popular due to the chemistry between Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, who make Sherlock and John’s relationship feel like a true brotherhood. Moreover, Sherlock’s ingenious mind and deductive reasoning are presented in such a way that it’s impossible not to be captivated.
